The Iona Gaels (20-8, 13-4 MAAC) are set to face the Niagara Purple Eagles (12-16, 7-10 MAAC) on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at Gallagher Center in Niagara Falls, New York. This Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) matchup has postseason implications, with Iona pushing for a top seed in the conference tournament and Niagara looking to improve its standing.
Team Performance and Recent Form
Iona Gaels
Iona has been one of the top teams in the MAAC, winning seven of their last ten games. They are coming off a 74-68 win over Fairfield, where Nelly Junior Joseph recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Walter Clayton Jr. added 17 points.
The Gaels are an offensive force, ranking 2nd in the MAAC in points per game (75.4). Defensively, they allow just 67.1 points per game, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the conference.
Niagara Purple Eagles
Niagara has struggled with consistency, going 4-6 in their last ten games. They recently suffered a 77-70 loss to Siena, despite Marcus Hammond’s strong 22-point performance.
The Purple Eagles’ offense ranks in the lower half of the MAAC, averaging 68.9 points per game. Their defense has also been inconsistent, allowing 72.8 points per game, which they will need to improve against Iona’s efficient attack.
Head-to-Head Matchup
This is the second meeting between Iona and Niagara this season. Iona won the first matchup, 79-65, on January 12, 2025.
Historically, the Gaels have dominated this series, winning 8 of the last 10 meetings against Niagara. The Purple Eagles will need to slow down Iona’s transition game and limit turnovers to have a chance at the upset.
Key Players to Watch
Iona Gaels
- Nelly Junior Joseph – The dominant forward leads the Gaels with 15.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, making him a key presence inside.
- Walter Clayton Jr. – A dynamic scorer, averaging 14.5 points per game, who can take over a game from beyond the arc.
Niagara Purple Eagles
- Marcus Hammond – The leading scorer for Niagara, averaging 16.8 points per game, with the ability to stretch the floor.
- Sam Iorio – A versatile forward contributing 12.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, who will be key in countering Iona’s inside attack.
Game Outlook and Prediction
Iona has the clear advantage in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Niagara’s home-court advantage and ability to hit timely threes could keep them competitive, but they’ll need a near-perfect performance to pull off the upset.
If Iona controls the boards and dictates the pace, they should secure another victory over Niagara.
Prediction: Iona Gaels 75, Niagara Purple Eagles 65
Broadcast Info: Fans can watch the game live on ESPN3 at 7:00 PM ET.
